Sushma Swaraj slayed Pakistan in her UNGA speech delivered last night and it was evident from her articulated response that India would not tolerate the terror sermons from across the border. In a speech which was balanced and directed towards the domestic audience rather than the world at large saw her touch upon various issues affecting the international community and why Pakistan was the epicenter of most of those problems, as far as terrorism and state sponsored support to terrorism is concerned. Here we take a look at why Sushma Swaraj’s UNGA speech was a perfect response to the obnoxious terror state of Pakistan.

1. It Put India At The Forefront Of The Fight Against Terrorism

Sushma Swaraj’s slam dunk to Pakistan came midway through the speech when she explained that the terrorists do not have an open bank or an arms factory, and if they don’t have the resources then who is fuelling their cause? In this one quick rebuttal, Swaraj established that some states like Pakistan were funding terrorists to wage a proxy war against India and the world and that these states must be isolated by the international community. Swaraj also reiterated that the United Nations was yet to take a stand on Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) which India had proposed back in 1996. The CCIT, Swaraj stressed, will be a great beginning to reign in funding to terrorist organizations, and this treaty will establish India as a flag bearer of counter-terrorism efforts on the international stage.

2. The Speech Unmasked Pakistan’s Role In State Sponsored Terrorism Against India

By pointing to the efforts which the Indian government has made over two years to create a positive environment for talks with Pakistan, Sushma Swaraj proved that India has always been forthcoming to resolve all pending issues with its untrustworthy neighbor. After India’s constant efforts to improve relations, Sushma added that Pakistan has time and again been caught meddling in India’s internal affairs in Kashmir. Swaraj also said that attacks on India’s military bases in Pathankot and Uri were proof that any efforts from India are met with a violent response from Pakistan. This in turn proves that talks are a futile exercise and that India knows how to deal with a rogue state.

3. It Was Delivered In Hindi To Make Sure That People In Pakistan Knew What Their Government’s Intentions Are

As many of us know by now, the speech was strategically delivered in Hindi, so as to suit the audience here in India and Pakistan. This helped India make logical assertions in front of the Pakistani audience showing how the country’s rulers were hellbent on destroying their own nation by supporting terrorists deep inside their territory. Sushama Swaraj drove home the point that homegrown terrorism will hurt Pakistan more than it can ever hurt India.

4. Because Finally We Have A Government Which Has Decided To Talk Only If Firm Action Is Taken On Specific Issues Including Terrorism

It’s good to hear leaders from India finally telling the international community that enough is enough, when it comes to making amends with Pakistan. We, as a nation, can only help a country like Pakistan if it wants to help itself first. The message from the External Affairs Minister was loud and clear, act on terrorism emanating from inside your territory and then we will talk. Swaraj, in line with PM Modi’s comments, said that it was the need of the hour that a country like Pakistan is internationally isolated.

5. Because Unlike Pakistan, Sushma Swaraj Did Not Spend 80 Percent Of Her Speech Time On Our Neighbor And That Is A Good Thing

Believe it or not, despite some stinging rebuttals to the terror state of Pakistan, Sushma Swaraj perfectly balanced her speech at UNGA by discussing various other challenges which the world faces including poverty, the Paris climate deal, India’s path-breaking initiatives for an international solar alliance, and of course terrorism. This, in turn, proved that India is a major international power right now and that its opinions and initiatives in various fields are invaluable. The speech is indicative of the times to come, where India will be more concerned about evolving as an economic superpower rather than be hyphenated with a war-mongering terror state.